This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Unions say reopening NHS services must be safe
A number of health unions have stressed that rapid testing and an adequate supply of protective equipment must be in place when the NHS reopens services.
The 16 unions, including Unison, the Royal College of Nursing, Unite and GMB, have put forward a nine-point plan for the NHS to reopen services cancelled during the peak of the coronavirus outbreak safely as lockdown restrictions ease.
NHS England has just told hospitals to restart routine and non-urgent operations and procedures. The unions argue that the NHS should to continue to operate a ‘safety-first’ approach as outpatient clinics and operations resume.
Unison's Sara Gorton, who also chairs the NHS group of unions, said: "As hospitals get busier, and clinics and other services begin to reopen, the safety of staff and patients is paramount. But this can't happen without plentiful and constant PPE supplies. Tackling Covid has been a huge challenge, but this next phase will be a crucial test, too."
The unions also claim that staff working through the crisis should be paid overtime and a public sector pay freeze ruled out.
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